As I stepped into the vibrant community of Fihini, I was met with warm smiles and eager eyes. My mission for organizing the first meeting was to introduce myself as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer and explore ways to work with this resilient community. Little did I know that this meeting would mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
The majority of the community members, particularly the women and youth, expressed a keen interest in acquiring new skills that would provide them with alternative sources of livelihood. After a thoughtful discussion, we collectively decided that a skills training on bar soap making would be an excellent starting point.
However, as we delved into the logistics of the program, a surprising twist emerged: the community members assumed that I would provide the materials and training free of charge. But I had a different approach in mind. I explained that CorpsAfrica adopts a sustainable, community-led model aimed at empowering communities to take charge of their own development.
I proposed that interested members contribute their own funds to purchase the necessary materials and pay for the facilitator. Initially, they were hesitant, citing their limited financial resources as farmers. But I saw an opportunity to challenge their perceptions and encourage self-empowerment.
I suggested that each member sell just one bowl of maize from their harvest to cover the costs. To my delight, they agreed, and soon we had the necessary funds to proceed.
The next hurdle was finding a trainer. I quickly reached out to a development partner, who generously agreed to provide one free of charge.
As I reflected on this experience, I realized that rural communities often need guidance on managing their resources effectively. By empowering them to take ownership of their development, we can unlock their full potential.
Today, I am excited to report that we have successfully completed the training, and the outcomes are remarkable. The community members are now equipped with the skills and confidence to create their own bar soap, providing them with a sustainable source of income.
We will return to share our success stories, and I have no doubt that the impact of this project will be felt for years to come. The Fihini community has shown me that with determination, creativity, and a willingness to take charge, even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome.
